February 2008
The Magic of Dreams
Sometimes clients can clearly articulate why they are working in a particular field. Sue told me her reason for becoming a lawyer was because she always had a strong sense of social justice. She felt that "the system unfairly disadvantaged women and the elderly" and that the law was a tool to solve future difficult situations. That was Sue's reason for becoming an elder law attorney.
Sue had a clear vision of what she wanted to accomplish in her practice. She might have written her vision statement this way: "My vision is to have a society where everyone would treat women and elderly people fairly."
Holding that vision in mind Sue can now make choices based on her vision. It can help her to decide what cases to take. It also gives her energy to continue when she is working long hours.
Several attorneys I have met over the years tell me they started law school with a similar idealistic view of working for social justice and/or social change but along the way their practice of law became just a vehicle to earn a living. More than that, the realities of their practices have convinced them that the practice of law doesn't allow for that idealism.
I do understand that earning a living is important. As a Practice Advisor I help clients to increase the number of hours they bill. Some people do use a monetary vision to motivate and move them forward.
Once however you have enough to put food on the table and a roof over your head, other questions besides how can I earn more come up. Some of you may even find yourself asking, "Is this all there is?"
Lots of people talk about passion in their work. That passion comes from really feeling a deep commitment to the vision you hold. When you have a strong conviction about what you are trying to do, you are willing to go that extra mile to make sure you are moving toward your dream.
What is your vision statement? My client had a lofty vision that she never expected she could fulfill all by herself. She did know she would be attracted to others who shared her vision. In fact she might even persuade others to support her vision.
Your vision doesn't have to be as global. You may be committed to implementing a new business model, serving your clients in a particular way, or using technology in a unique way. Find the dream that really gets your juices flowing! (Look for a place where you are actually emotional about it.)
A vision guides you in your practice. It gives your life and work meaning. If you are working 8+ hours a day and feel stuck, thinking about your vision may be just the catalyst you need to feel inspired in your practice.
Take Action
- Review the list of questions published in Parker's Points this month. http://www.asparker.com/pptstemp.html Try to answer them to see if they help with your vision.
- Try reading another article I wrote on vision in 2004 entitled The Push and Pull of Vision http://www.asparker.com/rts0904.html
- A vision is a dream. Spend 20 minutes in silence just thinking about what your vision is. Try visualizing what you might build in your work and your life.
- To begin the journey of creating a whole new vision of your work and
life, read the book Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction
by Laura Berman Fortgang. You may buy it at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/1585424137/parkerassociates
Work the exercises to help you formulate a vision of a new career. This
program can help you see the possibilities both in and outside the legal
field. Need help? As a Authorized Life Blueprint Facilitator I can help
you to get the most out of the program. Call me at 781-598-0388 for more
information.